El-Rufai Tests Positive for Drug-Resistant Bacteria as Doctors Recommend Hospital Admission

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly tested positive for a drug-resistant bacterial infection, with medical reports recommending hospital admission for further evaluation and treatment.

The findings were contained in two medical documents dated October 22, 2026, concerning the 66-year-old former governor, who is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) amid his prosecution.

A laboratory report issued by Cerba Lancet Nigeria identified Enterococcus faecium in both aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures after 24 to 48 hours of incubation.

The organism was identified as Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE), indicating resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin.

However, the laboratory document was marked as an interim report, with a final verified result still pending at the time it was issued.

A separate medical report from ASK+ Medical & Diagnostics also documented the bacterial finding and listed possible sepsis among the clinical concerns requiring further assessment.

The report noted that El-Rufai had complained of mild generalised headaches and dizziness, alongside a history of persistent headaches, insomnia and hypotension.

His blood pressure was recorded at 93/70 mmHg, while his pulse rate was 68 beats per minute. His temperature was 36.2 degrees Celsius, and his oxygen saturation was 98 per cent on room air.

The medical assessment included dehydration, resistant malaria and possible sepsis, with a suspected paraumbilical focus. However, the report contained conflicting descriptions of his hydration status, stating in one section that he was mildly dehydrated and in another that there was no dehydration.

The laboratory findings indicated that the bacterial isolate was sensitive to several antibiotics, including ampicillin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, minocycline and linezolid, although some results differed between the aerobic and anaerobic cultures.

The medical report recommended admission for observation, intravenous fluids and further evaluation of the infection.

It also advised consultation with an infectious disease specialist to determine appropriate antibiotic treatment based on the culture and sensitivity results.

The report proposed hospital admission for at least three days, alongside consideration of intravenous antibiotic therapy under medical supervision.

Although the documents identified a potentially serious infection requiring further clinical attention, the laboratory report remained provisional, and the available records did not establish whether the recommended admission had taken place.

El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody amid his prosecution. The medical documents, however, did not establish any connection between his detention and the reported bacterial infection.